I think it's pretty obvious that there's a battle to be had between Tangradi & Jeffrey for that spot. If one of them can step up and claim the spot, it's a win-win for the player and the team. If one of those guys can't do it, I think we have a problem, and Shero may need to look to pull the trigger on a trade.
-While I'm much higher on TK than a lot of others here, I think he should remain with Cooke flanking Sutter, because it will keep some continuity & chemistry on that line with a new centre. So while I think Kennedy could play in top-6 role, I think, at least for now, he's a better fit on that line.
- Cooke, Glass or other bottom 6 guys are just not good enough. I'd rather make a trade. The only guy who could possibly work is Cooke, and that's only if there's some great chemistry on a 3rd line with Jeffrey or Tangradi in Cooke's place; and I question this scenario, because I'm not sure either guy can match the speed, physicality, energy and defensive play that Cooke consistently brings to the 3rd line.
- Regarding Sutter: the truth is, I think he could work well on the wing on either top our top-2 lines just because of his overall skill level, but I wouldn't do this, and here's why: this is a player that we have to re-sign this summer, and I would love him to be really solid (as opposed to super awesome) just until we can get him re-signed to a contract at a reasonable cap-hit. If we put him next to Sid or Geno and he explodes, then perhaps we'll have to pay him bigger $$, which could give us some issues longer-term.
Now, having said that about Sutter: I have long said that I believe Jeffrey (this was before he got injured, mind you) could be an excellent 3rd line centre. If he can get back to his pre-injury level, and if he doesn't transition well to LW, we could have an option to put him at 3rd line C and Sutter on wing on the top-2 lines.
But aside from the above, I don't see any other scenario that makes sense. I don't think it would be wise to bring Bennett up yet, and I don't see anyone else in this organization to fit that role right now. So I think it's Tangradi, Jeffrey or trade.